Trump's relationship with Erdogan a ‘constraining factor for the Turks,’ expert tells ‘Post’

The relationship between U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is acting as a "calming down" factor on the increasingly strained ties between Jerusalem and Ankara, according to Dr. Gallia Lindenstrauss, a senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies. Lindenstrauss noted this dynamic in light of recent inflammatory remarks by Turkey's Interior Minister, Mustafa Ciftci.

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US President Donald Trump’s relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is “somewhat” “calming down” the increasingly strained relationship between Jerusalem and Ankara.

Ciftci recently declared aspirations to govern Jerusalem, stating, "God willing, they will come under our sovereignty and dominion once more." These comments, widely condemned by Israeli officials, add to existing tensions, particularly following Erdogan's numerous critical statements directed at Israel since the October 7 attacks. Historically, Turkey was one of the first Muslim countries to recognize Israel, making Erdogan's current stance particularly notable.

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God willing, they will come under our sovereignty and dominion once more. Because we have a global leader like Recep Tayyip Erdogan at our helm. A world leader.

Lindenstrauss cautioned that while Ciftci's remarks might be dismissed as the words of a single minister, they must be viewed within the context of other worrying statements. She also commented on Turkey's involvement in the region, noting that its support for Hamas, which Israel views as more than just political, has raised eyebrows in Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Amid rumors of Qatar potentially expelling Hamas leadership, Turkey has been named as a possible future host nation, further cementing its growing regional influence.

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While this can one could dismiss this rhetoric as only one of one minister, it has to be seen in the context of other worrying remarks.